The Case for Inclusion 2025: Policy Blueprint for Sustainable Services
Download the Case for Inclusion 2025 Policy Blueprint as a PDF
In 2021, ANCOR and UCP began including in the Case for Inclusion an annual Policy Blueprint. Policy Blueprints offer concrete recommendations for how lawmakers at all levels of government can strengthen community-based IDD services, especially by strengthening the direct support workforce.
Our latest Policy Blueprint—the first to be published as a standalone publication separate from a broader Key Findings report—was published in March 2025. It offers actions that can be taken by the Trump administration, the 119th Congress, state governments, providers and other stakeholders.
The Case for Inclusion 2025 argues that the Trump Administration should:
- Require states to establish systems of access monitoring that compel regular reviews of Medicaid reimbursement rates.
- Revise the Standard Occupational Classification system to create a distinct classification for DSPs.
- Require interagency collaboration.
- Require state and federal agencies to collect and publicly report on measures related to workforce volume, stability, and compensation.
- Support and develop programs that meet the social needs of people with IDD and the direct support workforce.
The Case for Inclusion 2025 argues that the 119th Congress should:
- Increase the federal share of funding for the Medicaid HCBS.
- Preserve existing community-based programs and current Medicaid funding.
- Provide increased funding for community providers.
- Invest in the training and professionalization of the workforce.
The Case for Inclusion 2025 argues that states should:
- Apply for federal funding opportunities.
- Establish systems of access monitoring that provide regular review of IDD reimbursement.
- Encourage OMB to establish a SOC for DSPs.
- Participate in the National Core Indicators’ State of the Workforce survey.
- Collect and publicly report on measures and metrics related to workforce volume, stability and compensation.
The Case for Inclusion 2025 argues that providers and advocates should:
- Seek out and apply for state and federal funding opportunities.
- Urge states to leverage federal funding opportunities to stabilize the workforce.
- Take advantage of opportunities for stakeholder engagement and public comment.
- Access state-specific data to fuel your advocacy by visiting caseforinclusion.org.
- Take advantage of available resources from UCP and ANCOR, including opportunities to take action.